Youth Development Early Learning Head Teacher

Eugene Family Ymca • Eugene, OR

15h • Onsite

About The Position

The Early Learning Head Teacher serves as the instructional and operational leader of the classroom. This position provides direct supervision to youth ages 3 to 5 while ensuring high quality early learning experiences, staff development, and full compliance with state licensing and YMCA standards. The Head Teacher creates positive, nurturing relationships with youth and builds cooperative partnerships with families. This role promotes confidence, independence, and peer connection while modeling YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. The Head Teacher sets the tone for safety, belonging, and developmentally appropriate practice within the classroom.

Requirements

• Meets Teacher qualification requirements as outlined by the Department of Early Learning and Care, including one of the following:
• At least one year or 1,500 hours of qualifying teaching experience in a licensed program, or
• At least 750 hours of qualifying teaching experience in a certified preschool, or
• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education, Elementary Education, Human Development, Child and Family Studies, or related field
• 18 years of age
• Enrolled in the Oregon Child Care Division Central Background Registry
• Experience planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities
• At least one year of supervisory experience
• Adult/Child/Infant CPR & First Aid certification
• Oregon Food Handlers card
• Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect certificate of completion
• Introduction to Child Care Health and Safety certificate of completion
• Prevention is Better Than Treatment Online certificate of completion
• Acquire 15 hours of training per year, 8 being in child development

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual in Spanish
• Experience working with diverse populations and inclusive classrooms

Responsibilities

• Manages, directs, and coordinates the assigned preschool classroom to ensure a high quality early learning environment
• Leads curriculum planning and implementation aligned with developmentally appropriate practice and Oregon Early Learning standards
• Implements culturally relevant activity plans that meet the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of each youth
• Creates a classroom culture of belonging where every youth and family feels seen, respected, and valued
• Conducts ongoing, systematic observations and assessments to support youth growth and development
• Trains, schedules, directs, and supports classroom staff and volunteers
• Provides ongoing coaching, modeling, and feedback to ensure consistent implementation of curriculum, active supervision, and positive behavior guidance
• Reviews and evaluates staff performance and supports professional growth
• Provides staff leadership during Youth Development events and initiatives
• Ensures active supervision of youth at all times in alignment with Oregon licensing requirements and YMCA Youth Protection standards
• Maintains compliance with Department of Early Learning and Care regulations, CACFP requirements, and YMCA policies
• Ensures accurate attendance, meal counts, documentation, and record keeping
• Serves as classroom lead during licensing visits and monitoring reviews
• Maintains a safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate learning environment
• Supports budget stewardship through responsible ordering of supplies and resource management
• Builds strong, proactive relationships with families through regular communication and collaboration
• Conducts family conferences as needed and supports individualized plans when appropriate
• Responds to family and community inquiries in a timely and professional manner
• Maintains positive relationships with licensing agencies, school partners, and community organizations
• Completes all required trainings by assigned deadlines and maintains 15 hours of annual training, with at least 8 hours in child development
• Maintains current CPR and First Aid, Food Handler certification, and required Early Learning Division trainings
• Checks and responds to email and workplace communication regularly
• Acts as a role model to youth and staff in alignment with YMCA values
• Performs other duties as assigned

Benefits

• We also believe in supporting the well-being of our employees and offer a free Y membership as a benefit of employment.
• Full-time Employee Benefits & Discounts Careers | Eugene Family YMCA (eugeneymca.org)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree